Getty Photographer Scott Olson being arrested at a protest in Ferguson, Missouri on Monday, August 18, 2014.

ADVOCACY

NPPA vigorously promotes freedom of the press in all its forms.

The NPPA is an active advocate for the legal rights of visual journalists. Our work includes issues connected to First Amendment access, drone regulations, copyright, access and credentialing, cameras in court, “ag-gag” laws, unlawful assault on visual journalists and cases that affect the ability to record events and issues of public interest. Our work benefits not only individuals but the public at large.

You can support this advocacy by making a tax-deductible donation to NPPA Legal Advocacy and Education through the National Press Photographers Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization charged with advancing photojournalism through education and awarding scholarships and fellowships to deserving individuals.

While important news for photographers is posted to top News on this site, this blog is a resource for those interested in learning more about advocacy issues including copyrights, First Amendment issues and other issues affecting the industry.

Advocacy Committee

The National Press Photographers Association’s Advocacy Committee is led by NPPA Advocacy Chair and Attorney Alicia Wagner Calzada and NPPA General Counsel Mickey H. Osterreicher. The committee works to further the NPPA’s mission of advancing visual journalism by addressing local and federal policy issues that affect our members’ ability to provide the public with news images. The official spokesperson of the NPPA is always the sitting president and all advocacy committee activity is done with the knowledge and approval of the president who is automatically a member of the committee.

Whether working with government agencies and leaders or participating in “friend of the court” briefs on cases affecting news photographers, the Advocacy Committee diligently monitors issues affecting visual journalists and works to ensure that their voices are heard.

On a case-by-case basis the Advocacy Committee also addresses individual issues affecting the right of the public and the press to document and record images in order to protect those constitutional freedoms.